We are proud to be part of the Rhode Island community! Follow our blog for the latest news and occasional commentary about what’s happening at the Foundation and around our great state.

Dorothy Mitchell remembers her father as a brilliant man, a gifted music composer who played many instruments, an animal lover, and an experienced sailor, but it was his charitable nature that stands out most in her mind.

“Larry used to say, ‘What kind of legacy am I going to leave? If I had all the money in the world, I’d be a philanthropist,’” recalls Sue Mills of her late husband. “He left a tremendous legacy – the friendships and the work ethic,” Sue continues, and now, Larry’s name will forever be connected to philanthropy.

For more than 30 years, Brian and Kathy MacLean have immersed themselves in their local, central Connecticut community. After visiting Rhode Island for many years where they have a second home, The MacLeans want to focus more of their philanthropy toward Rhode Island. (Photo: Stacey Coleman)

The late Kathryn Johnson, an independent artist, knew from a very early age what she wanted to do in life: “When I was six years old, I said without hesitation, I wanted to go to Rhode Island School of Design.”

The class list reads like a college catalog – Spanish, painting, computer, literature – but rather than a college or university campus, these classes are offered at Hamilton House, an “adult learning exchange” on Providence’s East Side. Complementing the more academic offerings are topics as diverse as yoga, bridge, and film courses.

A sense of giving back often is passed from one generation to the next. Such is the case for Susan (Horvitz) Garlington. “My parents were very giving and active volunteers in the community,” Susan explains.

Featured Post

Making science come alivePosted last weekThanks to our Carter Spark Grant, Narragansett Elementary School students just learned a lot about life around Narragansett Bay. Special education teacher Karen Festa used the grant to bring Save the Bay’s living “Bay Classroom Experience” to school.

Roger Williams' ideals come to life in scholarship recipientsPosted 3 weeks agoThe Rhode Island Foundation is sending seven high school seniors off to college with scholarships honoring Roger Williams, the state’s founding father.The four-year, renewable scholarships are through the Carter Roger Williams Initiative, which was launched last year by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter.

Carter fellowships inspire innovationPosted last monthThe recipients will receive $200,000 over four years to test and implement their proposals to dramatically improve life in Rhode Island thanks to the generosity of philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter.

Introducing moves to fuel growth and expansionPosted 3 months agoWe are launching a new grantmaking opportunity, refining our strategic priorities, adopting impact targets and adding new staff positions to support work with partners, donors, nonprofits and community leaders.